What does kicking mean?
Kicking is the present-participle and gerund form of kick, the common verb for striking or propelling something with the foot. In its most frequent sense, it describes the repeated or forceful movement involved in kicking a ball, kicking a door, or a horse kicking. A kicking animal may be resisting control or trying to throw a rider, so the word can suggest force, restlessness, or disruption. A separate informal sense means getting rid of, abandoning, or discontinuing something, as in “kicking an old habit.” Grammatically, kicking may serve as a gerund before another verb, as in “She went home kicking and screaming,” or as an adjective-like participle before a noun. Its familiar appearance in idioms such as “kicking the bucket” makes it particularly memorable.
verb (present participle and gerund)Kicking is the act of striking, pushing, or propelling something with the foot. It can also mean getting rid of or discontinuing something.
- The act of striking or propelling something with the foot.
- The act of moving forcefully with the foot.
- Getting rid of or discontinuing something.
"He was kicking the ball toward the goal when the whistle sounded."
"The horse was kicking violently while the vet examined its leg."
"The company is kicking its outdated paper-based filing system."
In the euphemism “kicking the bucket,” a vivid image turns the grim subject of death into something unexpectedly comic.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kicking come from?
Kicking is the present-participle and gerund form of the verb kick. Kick appeared in Middle English, although its ultimate origin is uncertain; links with Middle Dutch and Scandinavian forms have been proposed but are disputed. The modern participle was formed through the regular addition of the English -ing suffix to the verb.
Related word forms
How kicking is actually used
Kicking is the present-participle and gerund form of kick. It can modify a noun, as in “a kicking horse,” or function as a gerund in a larger clause. The sense meaning “abandon or discontinue” is informal and is especially associated with North American usage.